Assessment of different educational methods regarding tooth brushing instruction on the amount of dental plaque in children

Objective: Dental plaque is the crucial etiologic factor of dental caries and periodontal diseases, especially in childhood which is preventable by oral health education. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of different educational methods of brushing on the amount of dental plaque in children. Methods: A total of 120 children (6-8 years) referred to the pediatric department, school of dentistry in Alborz University of medical sciences were selected by simple random sampling and divided into four groups equally. Tooth brushing instruction was done in each group using one of the following educational methods: I- using dental model; II- in front of the mirror on him/herself; III- in front of a mirror on another child as a model; IV- using a film. Then, dental plaque scores was measured by the O'Leary Index using disclosing tablet before and after training as well as two weeks later. The results were analyzed by T-test, paired T-test and ANOVA. Results: In all of the groups, the O?Leary index score has decreased after training as well as after two-week follow-up. Maximum drop in plaque score was seen in Group I (using dental model) followed by Group IV (using film), then Group III (in front of a mirror on another child) and the least efficacy was seen in Group II (in front of the mirror on him/herself). Conclusion: The results showed that the method of self-education tooth brushing on dental model was more effective in children and had longer results.